clearheaded

American  

[kleer-hed-id] / ˈklɪərˈhɛd ɪd /

adjective

1. having or showing an alert mind.

---

Other Word Forms

• clearheadedly adverb
• clearheadedness noun

Etymology

Origin of clearheaded

First recorded in 1700–10; clear + head ( def. ) + -ed ³ ( def. )

Explanation

If you're clearheaded, you're wide awake, focused, and thinking sensibly. A clearheaded student will probably do better on a calculus test than her sleepy, confused classmate. Complex thought and analysis ideally requires a clearheaded thinker — and you can also describe the thinking and decisions themselves as clearheaded. A clearheaded debate between political candidates is much more useful and interesting than a muddled, angry, and confusing argument. The word clearheaded, sometimes spelled with a hyphen, clear-headed, originated in the early 18th century.

Example Sentences

Grant, on the other hand “talks like an earnest business-man—prompt clearheaded & decisive—& utters no bosh.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

In Chay Yew’s clearheaded production, with an excellent cast, the touching opera had little trouble making its impact at the performance on Saturday evening.

From New York Times • May 19, 2024

I profusely thanked them, but am glad my friend who was with me was more clearheaded and offered them a cash tip.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 7, 2024

An engaged and clearheaded socialist thinker, Piketty sets forth in “A Brief History of Equality” one of the most comprehensive and comprehensible social democratic programs available anywhere.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2022

Jose was right—I feel stronger and better and clearheaded now that I’m eating again.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau